“Sexed Semen” or Gender Enhanced Semen (GES) makes it possible to increase the proportion of live female calves born yearly, and may turn out to be a major new tool for the dairy industry.

However, the risks associated with this technology should be weighed against the potential rewards. Costs of GES are all upfront while the pay-off occurs in the future. This article by Thomas R. Overton presents general considerations for choosing GES, potential sources of value for sexed semen, but also risks and drawbacks.
Economic considerations of sexed semen on your dairy>>

Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome, HBS, is characterized by sudden drop in milk production, abdominal pain due to obstructed bowel, and anemia. Death comes within 48 hours of bowel obstruction by the blood clot plug.

Many potential causes of HBS have been investigated and discarded. This article by N. E. Forsberg, S. B. Puntenney and Y. Wang discusses the possibility of mold in feed being the cause of HBS, in addition to other factors. Recommendations on how to avoid mold are also given.
Keeping them out of the rough: Practical insights into hemorrhagic bowel syndrome >>

Dairy cows are completely reliant on our ability and knowledge to provide them with sufficient food and water to promote growth, productivity, health and welfare. This article stresses the need to consider how animal behavior may affect the animals’ access to food. Keeping cows in loose-housing areas can result in high levels of competition at the feed bunk, which in turn may compromise health and production.

The authors also review studies showing how feeding management and the design of the feeding environment can be altered in ways that reduce this competition and allow for increased access to feed for all animals.

Understanding cow behavior may change the way we feed lactating cows >>

Milking machine use and maintenance >>
Field study on milk quality in China >>

These two presentations were given by Anders Fagerberg at the International Dairy Federation's World Dairy Congress in Shanghai, October 2006. These presentations are available in English and Chinese.

Pneumonia is always bad news for calves, and it results in extra work for the calf care person. Short-term consequences are reduced dry matter intake, delayed weaning and higher risk of an additional pneumonia event at weaning. Long-term losses from severe cases of pneumonia include delayed breeding, higher age at first calving and compromised milk production. This article by Sam Leadley gives advice on the prevention and treatment of pneumonia in calves. The Pneumonia calf >>